Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Accession No. 2002.901)
Location History:
Formerly part of the Paul F. Walter Collection before being acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in 2003 via Sotheby's auction.
"Krishna Has Fun with Radha and the Gopis" is an exquisite miniature painting created in the 18th century with the help of Nihal Chand, a famous painter working in the Kishangarh kingdom of Rajasthan under Maharaja Savant Singh (Nagari Das). Chand was working in the court of Maharaja Savant Singh, so he managed to fuse the Mughal advanced painting techniques like finite lines, soft shadows, and depth of perspective with the romantic traditions of painting.
In the painting we can see the characteristic style of Nihal Chand, manifested in elongated characters with peculiar features like long flower-shaped eyes, high shaped eyebrows, small noses, exquisite chins, and long fingers. The bright colors of gulal generated (red, orange, and pink) produce a contrast against the shining white marble of the buildings and light colors of the landscaping.
The masterpiece showcases the blend of romance, exalted sophistication, and the Bhakti spirit which is a hallmark of the Kishangarh school. The painting depicts the holiday of Holi that takes place in spring time on a huge white marble terrace which is above a river or lake in the evening. Krishna and Radha are depicted in the middle of the painting surrounded by the playing gopis who use colors and throw colored powder (gulal). The painting is not just a religious scene but there is a hidden meaning where Krishna and Radha embody Maharaja Savant Singh and his poet Bani Thani. The painting represents a strong link between royal and divine ruling.
The Kishangarh School, a spinoff of the Rajasthani miniature art movement, came into being in the mid-18th century and is known for being the most poetic and stylized Rajasthani sub-school. In accordance with the aesthetic/tradition of this art school, facial features are made in accordance with certain rules: the eyes are large, elongated, almond-shaped (Khanjan) and large at the temples. The eyebrows have a pointed shape. The nose is pointed, the chin is not prominent and is delicate, the lips are thin, and so are the fingers. It is interesting that the figures are most often presented in profile which provides a scope for stylization of the facial characteristics.
This painting is joyful and full of movement, beautifully capturing the festive spirit of Holi. The vibrant colours, playful interactions, and graceful figures create a lively atmosphere while expressing the deep love and devotion between Krishna, Radha, and the gopis. Although the composition can feel busy due to the many figures and details, its energy and rich symbolism make it an engaging and memorable work of art. Overall, it is a charming celebration of divine love, festivity, and the beauty of Indian miniature painting.
